Vehicle canopy apparatus

ABSTRACT

A canopy apparatus is provided for a vehicle and includes inner and outer canopy support assemblies which include inner and outer top transverse canopy beams. The canopy support assemblies are pivotally connected to the vehicle. A flexible sheet assembly is supported by the top transverse canopy beams. Outer rider members are in sliding engagement with the outer canopy struts. Inner rider members are in sliding engagement with the inner canopy struts, wherein each of the outer rider members is placed adjacent to one of the inner rider members. A pair of rotatable rider connector assemblies are provided, wherein each rotatable rider connector assembly is connected between an outer rider member and an adjacent inner rider member. With the vehicle canopy apparatus of the invention, when the vehicle is moving forward and the top transverse inner canopy beam bumps into a tree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus yields to the tree limb and flexes backward. Similarly, when the vehicle is moving backward and the top transverse outer canopy beam bumps into a tree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus yields to the tree limb and flexes forward. The yielding and flexing action of the vehicle canopy apparatus prevents encountered tree limbs from damaging either the canopy of the vehicle which supports the canopy. In either case, when the vehicle canopy apparatus is moved away from the tree limb, the bias springs aid the vehicle canopy apparatus is returned to the erected, non-flexed orientation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority based upon my prior copendingProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/067,407, filed Dec. 3, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to canopies and, moreparticularly, to canopies especially adapted for protecting a user of avehicle from sun and rain.

Description of the Prior Art

A number of small vehicles are used outdoors, and the user of suchvehicles is susceptible to receiving solar radiation and rain duringuse. To protect the user from solar radiation and rain, such vehiclesare often equipped with canopies. In this respect, throughout the years,a number of innovations have been developed relating to canopies forsmall vehicles, and the following U.S. patents are representative ofsome of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos. 932,339, 2,631,057, 5,022,420,5,232,005, and 5,579,795. More specifically, each of the above-mentionedpatents discloses a canopy that has a substantially rigid orientationwith respect to the vehicle on which it is mounted. A problem situationoften occurs that is associated with such rigidly oriented canopies.When the vehicle moves forward or backward and the canopy bumps into anoverhanging tree limb, the vehicle canopy can be damaged. Moreover, thevehicle canopy can be torn from the vehicle to which it is attached. Inthis respect, it would be desirable if a vehicle canopy were providedthat is not damaged when the canopy bumps into an overhanging tree limbwhen the vehicle moves forward or backward.

Still other features would be desirable in a vehicle canopy apparatus.For example, once the vehicle backs away from an overhanging tree limbso that the vehicle canopy is no longer in contact with the overhangingtree limb, the vehicle canopy can return to its normal orientation.

Because a canopy can protect a vehicle driver from an overhanging treelimb, it would be desirable if the vehicle canopy were limited in itsdegree of response to an overhanging tree limb. More specifically, itwould not be desirable if a vehicle canopy were bent down upon adriver's head when the vehicle canopy contacts the overhanging treelimb.

A riding lawnmower is a popular small vehicle for which a vehicle canopyis especially useful. Such a canopy is especially susceptible to impactswith overhanging tree limbs. In this respect, it would be desirable if avehicle canopy were provided that is especially useful with ridinglawnmowers.

Riding lawnmowers are produced in a variety of sizes. In this respect,it would be desirable if a vehicle canopy were provided that isadjustable to a variety of sizes of riding lawnmowers.

Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be wellknown to use vehicle canopies for small vehicles, the prior artdescribed above does not teach or suggest a vehicle canopy apparatuswhich has the following combination of desirable features: (1) is notdamaged when the canopy bumps into an overhanging tree limb when thevehicle moves forward or backward; (2) once the vehicle drives away froman overhanging tree limb so that the vehicle canopy is no longer incontact with the overhanging tree limb, the vehicle canopy can return toits normal orientation; (3) is limited in its degree of response to anoverhanging tree limb so that the canopy does not collapse on a driver'shead; (4) is especially useful with riding lawnmowers; and (5) isadjustable to a variety of sizes of riding lawnmowers. The foregoingdesired characteristics are provided by the unique vehicle canopyapparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from thefollowing description thereof. Other advantages of the present inventionover the prior art also will be rendered evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention,briefly described, provides a canopy apparatus for a vehicle andincludes an outer canopy support assembly which includes a pair of outercanopy distal ends. A pair of outer canopy struts is connected to theouter canopy distal ends, and a top transverse outer canopy beam isconnected between the outer canopy struts. The outer canopy distal endsare pivotally connected to the vehicle. An inner canopy support assemblyincludes a pair of inner canopy distal ends. A pair of inner canopystruts is connected to the inner canopy distal ends, and a toptransverse inner canopy beam is connected between the inner canopystruts. The pair of inner canopy struts are nested within the pair ofouter canopy struts. The inner canopy distal ends are pivotallyconnected to the vehicle. A flexible sheet assembly is supported by thetop transverse outer canopy beam and the top transverse inner canopybeam. A pair of outer rider members is in sliding engagement with thepair of outer canopy struts. A pair of inner rider members is in slidingengagement with the pair of inner canopy struts, wherein each of thepair of outer rider members is placed adjacent to one of the pair ofinner rider members. A pair of rotatable rider connector assemblies isprovided, wherein each rotatable rider connector assembly is connectedbetween an outer rider member and an adjacent inner rider member. Eachof the rotatable rider connector assemblies can include a threaded nutwelded to one of the canopy struts and a threaded bolt welded to theadjacent canopy strut. When an inner rider member rotates with respectto its adjacent outer rider member, the threaded shaft of the threadedbolt rotates inside the threaded nut. A pair of bottom outer rider stopsis connected to the pair of outer canopy struts. A pair of bottom innerrider stops is connected to the pair of inner canopy struts.

With the vehicle canopy apparatus of the invention, when the vehicle ismoving forward and the top transverse inner canopy beam bumps into atree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus yields to the tree limb andflexes backward. Similarly, when the vehicle is moving backward and thetop transverse outer canopy beam bumps into a tree limb, the vehiclecanopy apparatus yields to the tree limb and flexes forward. Theyielding and flexing action of the vehicle canopy apparatus preventsencountered tree limbs from damaging either the canopy of the vehiclewhich supports the canopy. In either case, when the vehicle canopyapparatus is moved away from the tree limb, the bias springs aid thevehicle canopy apparatus in returned to the erected, non-flexedorientation.

Each of the bottom outer rider stops and the bottom inner rider stopsincludes a stop sleeve member and a stop lock nut for locking therespective stop sleeve member on a respective canopy strut. Each of thetop outer rider stops and the top inner rider stops can be in a form ofa spring clip.

Each of the outer canopy struts includes a pair of first outer canopyriser portions connected to the outer canopy distal ends. A pair oftransverse outer canopy width extender portions is connected to thefirst outer canopy riser portions, and a pair of second outer canopyriser portions is connected to the transverse outer canopy widthextender portions. The top transverse outer canopy beam is connectedbetween the second outer canopy riser portions. Each of the inner canopystruts includes a pair of first inner canopy riser portions connected tothe inner canopy distal ends. A pair of transverse inner canopy widthextender portions is connected to the first inner canopy riser portions,and a pair of second inner canopy riser portions is connected to thetransverse inner canopy width extender portions. The top transverseinner canopy beam is connected between the second inner canopy riserportions. The pair of second inner canopy riser portions are nestedwithin the pair of second outer canopy riser portions. The pair of outerrider members is in sliding engagement with the pair of second outercanopy riser portions. The pair of inner rider members is in slidingengagement with the pair of second inner canopy riser portions. Each ofthe pair of outer rider members is placed adjacent to one of the pair ofinner rider members. Each of the pair of bottom outer rider stops isconnected to the pair of second outer canopy riser portions. Each of thepair of bottom inner rider stops is connected to the pair of secondinner canopy riser portions. A pair of top outer rider stops isconnected to the pair of outer canopy struts, and a pair of top innerrider stops is connected to the pair of inner canopy struts.

A pair of bias springs is provided, wherein each bias spring isconnected between a portion of one outer canopy strut and a portion ofone inner canopy strut.

Each of the top transverse outer canopy beam and the top transverseinner canopy beam includes an outside telescopic portion. An insidetelescopic portion is received in the outside telescopic portion, and atelescope locking assembly is supported by the outside telescopicportion for locking the outside telescopic portion and the insidetelescopic portion in a preselected position. The telescope lockingassembly includes a threaded lock nut supported by the outsidetelescopic portion and a threaded lock bolt received in the lock nut.

In addition, each of the outer canopy distal ends and the inner canopydistal ends includes a distal end adjustment assembly. Each of thedistal end adjustment assemblies includes a telescopic inner connectormember received in an outer distal tube portion which includes apin-reception channel. A lock pin is provided for locking the telescopicinner connector member with respect to the outer distal tube portion.The telescopic inner connector member includes a series of adjustmentchannels arrayed longitudinally along the telescopic inner connectormember. The adjustment channels are selected so that the top of thevehicle canopy apparatus is oriented horizontally in a non-flexedorientation.

The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more importantfeatures of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptionthereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that thepresent contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are,of course, additional features of the invention that will be describedhereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claimsappended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining a number of preferred embodiments ofthe invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of the construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis fordesigning other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus which has all of the advantages of theprior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus which may be easily and efficientlymanufactured and marketed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus which is of durable and reliableconstruction.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost ofmanufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and whichaccordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consumingpublic, thereby making such vehicle canopy apparatus available to thebuying public.

Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved vehicle canopy apparatus which is not damaged when thecanopy bumps into an overhanging tree limb when the vehicle movesforward or backward.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus that once the vehicle drives away froman overhanging tree limb so that the vehicle canopy is no longer incontact with the overhanging tree limb, the vehicle canopy can return toits normal orientation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus which is limited in its degree ofresponse to an overhanging tree limb so that the canopy does notcollapse on a driver's head.

Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus that is e specially useful with ridinglawnmowers.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved vehicle canopy apparatus which is adjustable to a variety ofsizes of riding lawnmowers.

These together with still other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well asobjects other than those set forth above will become more apparent aftera study of the following detailed description thereof. Such descriptionmakes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the vehiclecanopy apparatus of the invention mounted on a riding lawn mower,wherein the vehicle canopy apparatus is in a non-flexed mode.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of the embodiment of the vehicle canopyapparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially broken away view, of the portion of theembodiment of the vehicle canopy apparatus of FIG. 2 contained incircled region 3 thereof.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of theembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4--4thereof.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 contained within circled region 5 thereof

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 6--6 thereof.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 1, withthe flexible sheet covering removed, shown in a backwardly yieldingflexed mode.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 1, withthe flexible sheet covering removed, shown in a forwardly yieldingflexed mode.

FIG. 9 is a similar view, such as shown in FIG. 6, but showing analternate embodiment of the outer rider members and the inner ridermembers.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the outside telescopicportion and the inside telescopic portions shown in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved vehicle canopyapparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present inventionwill be described.

Turning to FIGS. 1-8, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of thevehicle canopy apparatus of the invention generally designated byreference numeral 10. In its preferred form, vehicle canopy apparatus 10is provided for a vehicle 13 and includes an outer canopy supportassembly 12 which includes a pair of outer canopy distal ends 14. A pairof outer canopy struts is connected to the outer canopy distal ends 14,and a top transverse outer canopy beam 22 is connected between the outercanopy struts. The outer canopy distal ends 14 are pivotally connectedto the vehicle 13. An inner canopy support assembly 32 includes a pairof inner canopy distal ends 34. A pair of inner canopy struts isconnected to the inner canopy distal ends 34, and a top transverse innercanopy beam 42 is connected between the inner canopy struts. The pair ofinner canopy struts are nested within the pair of outer canopy struts.The inner canopy distal ends 34 are pivotally connected to the vehicle13. A flexible sheet assembly 15 is supported by the top transverseouter canopy beam 22 and the top transverse inner canopy beam 42. A pairof outer rider members 24 is in sliding engagement with the pair ofouter canopy struts. A pair of inner rider members 26 is in slidingengagement with the pair of inner canopy struts, wherein each of thepair of outer rider members 24 is placed adjacent to one of the pair ofinner rider members 26. A pair of rotatable rider connector assemblies31 is provided, wherein each rotatable rider connector assembly 31 isconnected between an outer rider member 24 and an adjacent inner ridermember 26. Each of the rotatable rider connector assemblies 31 caninclude a threaded nut 65 welded to one of the canopy struts and athreaded bolt 67 welded to the adjacent canopy strut. When an innerrider member 26 rotates with respect to its adjacent outer rider member24, the threaded shaft of the threaded bolt 67 rotates inside thethreaded nut 65. A pair of bottom outer rider stops 33 is connected tothe pair of outer canopy struts. A pair of bottom inner rider stops 37is connected to the pair of inner canopy struts.

With the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 of the invention, when the vehicle13 is moving forward and the top transverse inner canopy beam 42 bumpsinto a tree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 yields to the treelimb and flexes backward. Similarly, when the vehicle 13 is movingbackward and the top transverse outer canopy beam 22 bumps into a treelimb, the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 yields to the tree limb and flexesforward. The yielding and flexing action of the vehicle canopy apparatus10 prevents encountered tree limbs from damaging either the canopy ofthe vehicle which supports the canopy. In either case, when the vehiclecanopy apparatus 10 is moved away from the tree limb, the bias springs41 aid the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 in returned to the erected,non-flexed orientation.

Each of the bottom outer rider stops 33 and the bottom inner rider stops37 includes a stop sleeve member and a stop lock nut 55 for locking therespective stop sleeve member on a respective canopy strut. Each of thetop outer rider stops 35 and the top inner rider stops 39 can be in aform of a spring clip.

Each of the outer canopy struts includes a pair of first outer canopyriser portions 16 connected to the outer canopy distal ends 14. A pairof transverse outer canopy width extender portions 18 is connected tothe first outer canopy riser portions 16, and a pair of second outercanopy riser portions 20 is connected to the transverse outer canopywidth extender portions 18. The top transverse outer canopy beam 22 isconnected between the second outer canopy riser portions 20. Each of theinner canopy struts includes a pair of first inner canopy riser portions36 connected to the inner canopy distal ends 34. A pair of transverseinner canopy width extender portions 38 is connected to the first innercanopy riser portions 36, and a pair of second inner canopy riserportions 40 is connected to the transverse inner canopy width extenderportions 38. The top transverse inner canopy beam 42 is connectedbetween the second inner canopy riser portions 40. The pair of secondinner canopy riser portions 40 are nested within the pair of secondouter canopy riser portions 20. The pair of outer rider members 24 is insliding engagement with the pair of second outer canopy riser portions20. The pair of inner rider members 26 is in sliding engagement with thepair of second inner canopy riser portions 40. Each of the pair of outerrider members 24 is placed adjacent to one of the pair of inner ridermembers 26. Each of the pair of bottom outer rider stops 33 is connectedto the pair of second outer canopy riser portions 20. Each of the pairof bottom inner rider stops 37 is connected to the pair of second innercanopy riser portions 40. A pair of top outer rider stops 35 isconnected to the pair of outer canopy struts, and a pair of top innerrider stops 39 is connected to the pair of inner canopy struts. Each ofthe pair of top outer rider stops 35 is connected to the pair of secondouter canopy riser portions 20. Each of the pair of top inner riderstops 39 is connected to the pair of second inner canopy riser portions40.

A pair of bias springs 41 is provided, wherein each bias spring 41 isconnected between a portion of one outer canopy strut and a portion ofone inner canopy strut. More specifically, each bias spring 41 isconnected between a first outer canopy riser portion 16 and a firstinner canopy riser portions 36. The bias springs 41 can be in a varietyof forms which includes metal springs, bungee cords, and rubber strips,among others.

Each of the top transverse outer canopy beam 22 and the top transverseinner canopy beam 42 includes an outside telescopic portion 23. Aninside telescopic portion 25 is received in the outside telescopicportion 23, and a telescope locking assembly 43 is supported by theoutside telescopic portion 23 for locking the outside telescopic portion23 and the inside telescopic portion 25 in a preselected position. Thetelescope locking assembly 43 includes a threaded lock nut 45 supportedby the outside telescopic portion 23 and a threaded lock bolt 47received in the lock nut 45. An access orifice is provided in theoutside telescopic portion 23 to permit the lock bolt 47 to contact theinside telescopic portion 25 to lock the inside telescopic portion 25and the outside telescopic portion 23 together. The outside telescopicportions 23 and the inside telescopic portions 25 are adjusted relativeto one another to accommodate vehicles of differing widths.

In addition, each of the outer canopy distal ends 14 and the innercanopy distal ends 34 includes a distal end adjustment assembly. Each ofthe distal end adjustment assemblies includes a telescopic innerconnector member 50 received in an outer distal tube portion 52 whichincludes a pin-reception channel. A lock pin 58 is provided for lockingthe telescopic inner connector member 50 with respect to the outerdistal tube portion 52. The telescopic inner connector member 50includes a series of adjustment channels 53 arrayed longitudinally alongthe telescopic inner connector member 50. The adjustment channels 53 areselected so that the top of the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 is orientedhorizontally in a non-flexed orientation.

For connecting a respective canopy distal end to the vehicle 13, a baseplate 57 can be attached to a portion of the vehicle 13 using nuts 59and bolts 61. The base plate 57 includes an upwardly projecting firstpivot member 63 which includes a pin reception channel. The distal endof the telescopic inner connector member 50 also includes a pinreception channel. When the pin reception channels of the first pivotmember 63 and the telescopic inner connector member 50 are placed inregistration, a pivot pin 69 is passed through the pin receptionchannels. In this way, the outer canopy struts and the inner canopystruts are pivotally connected to the vehicle 13. As shown in thedrawings, the vehicle 13 can be riding lawn mower.

The flexible sheet assembly 15 of the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 can beattached to the top transverse outer canopy beam 22 and the toptransverse inner canopy beam 42 in a number of ways. For example, thewell known VELCRO(™) material 71 can be used. Alternatively, snaps canbe used.

Referring to FIG. 7, with the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 of theinvention, when the vehicle 13 moves forward, shown by direction arrow51, and a tree limb bumps into the top transverse outer canopy beam 22,the top transverse outer canopy beam 22 is pushed backward, shown bydirection arrow 73. When this occurs, the inner rider members 26 ridetoward the top inner rider stops 39 along the second inner canopy riserportions 40, and the outer rider members 24 ride toward the bottom outerrider stops 33 along the second outer canopy riser portions 20. Theextent of riding of the outer rider members 24 along the second outercanopy riser portions 20 is determined by placement of the bottom outerrider stops 33 along the second outer canopy riser portions 20. If agreater collapse of the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 is desired in thebackward direction, the bottom outer rider stops 33 are adjusted towardthe outer canopy distal ends 14. If a lesser collapse of the vehiclecanopy apparatus 10 is desired in the backward direction, the bottomouter rider stops 33 are adjusted away from the outer canopy distal ends14. Also, when the vehicle 13 is moving forward in direction 51 asdescribed above, the first outer canopy riser portions 16 pivot backwardaround the outer canopy distal ends 14, and the first inner canopy riserportions 36 pivot backward around the inner canopy distal ends 34. Whenthe above-described action takes place, the vehicle canopy apparatus 10collapses backward, away from the above-described tree limb. Once thevehicle 13 reverses direction and moves away from the tree limb, thebias springs 41 help the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 to return to theerect, non-flexed orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In contrast, referring to FIG. 8, when the vehicle 13 moves backward, asshow by direction arrow 75, and a tree limb bumps into the toptransverse inner canopy beam 42. the top transverse inner canopy beam 42is pushed forward as shown by direction arrow 77. When this occurs, theinner rider members 26 ride toward the bottom inner rider stops 37 alongthe second inner canopy riser portions 40, and the outer rider members24 ride toward the top outer rider stops 35 along the second outercanopy riser portions 20. The extent of riding of the inner ridermembers 26 along the second inner canopy riser portions 40 is determinedby the placement of the bottom inner rider stops 37 along the secondinner canopy riser portions 40. If a greater collapse of the vehiclecanopy apparatus 10 is desired in the forward direction, the bottominner rider stops 37 are adjusted toward the inner canopy distal ends34. If a lesser collapse of the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 is desiredin the forward direction, the bottom inner rider stops 37 are adjustedaway from the inner canopy distal ends 34. Also, when the vehicle 13 ismoving backward in direction 75 as described above, the first outercanopy riser portions 16 pivot forward around the outer canopy distalends 14, and the first inner canopy riser portions 36 pivot forwardaround the inner canopy distal ends 34. When the above-described actiontakes place, the vehicle canopy apparatus 10 collapses forward, awayfrom the above-described tree limb. Once the vehicle 13 reversesdirection and moves away from the tree limb, the bias springs 41 helpthe vehicle canopy apparatus 10 to return to the erect, non-flexedorientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 10, each of the outside telescopic portions 23 includesa plurality of adjustment channels 66 located at end portions of therespective outside telescopic portions 23. Also, each of the insidetelescopic portions 25 includes a plurality of selectable adjustmentchannels 68 located longitudinally along the respective insidetelescopic portions 25. When adjustment channels 66 are placed inregistration with adjustment channels 68, a lock bolt is used to securethe outside telescopic portion 23 and th e inside telescopic portion 25together in a selected overall length. The lock bolt 47 can be in a formof a threaded wing-headed bolt.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the second outer canopy riser portions 20(and also the second inner canopy riser portions 40) are in two partsthat can be disassembled when the vehicle canopy apparatus is not inuse. Apertures 78 in each portion of the respective canopy riser portionare placed in registration, and an attachment bolt (not shown) is usedto fasten the two portions together.

As shown in FIG. 9, each of outer rider members 24 includes an outerrider dimple 70, and each of the inner rider members 26 includes acomplimentary inner rider dimple 72. Each of the inner rider members 26includes a rotatable connector access aperture 74 for installing therotatable rider connector assembly 31 between one of the outer ridermembers 24 and one of the inner rider members 26. As shown in FIG. 9,the rotatable rider connector assemblies 31 can be rivets.

The components of the vehicle canopy apparatus of the invention can bemade from inexpensive and durable metal, plastic, and cloth materials.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, thesame is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no furtherdiscussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need beprovided.

It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishesall of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved vehiclecanopy apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design andoperation, and which may advantageously be used without being damagedwhen the canopy bumps into an overhanging tree limb when the vehiclemoves forward or backward. With the invention, a vehicle canopyapparatus is provided which, once the vehicle drives away from anoverhanging tree limb so that the vehicle canopy is no longer in contactwith the overhanging tree limb, the vehicle canopy can return to itsnormal orientation. With the invention, a vehicle canopy apparatus isprovided which is limited in its degree of response to an overhangingtree limb so that the canopy does not collapse on a driver's head. Withthe invention, a vehicle canopy apparatus is provided which isespecially useful with riding lawnmowers. With the invention, a vehiclecanopy apparatus is provided which is adjustable to a variety of sizesof riding lawnmowers.

Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings andfully described above with particularity and detail in connection withwhat is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including,but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, functionand manner of operation, assembly and use.

Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determinedonly by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as toencompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalentto those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstractis to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the publicgenerally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners inthe art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology,to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence ofthe technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstractis neither intended to define the invention or the application, whichonly is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the invention in any way.

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LettersPatent of the United States is as follows:
 1. A canopy apparatus for avehicle, comprising:an outer canopy support assembly which includes apair of outer canopy distal ends, a pair of outer canopy strutsconnected to said outer canopy distal ends, and a top transverse outercanopy beam connected between said outer canopy struts, wherein saidouter canopy distal ends are pivotally connected to the vehicle, aninner canopy support assembly which includes a pair of inner canopydistal ends, a pair of inner canopy struts connected to said innercanopy distal ends, and a top transverse inner canopy beam connectedbetween said inner canopy struts, wherein said pair of inner canopystruts are nested within said pair of outer canopy struts, wherein saidinner canopy distal ends are pivotally connected to the vehicle, aflexible sheet assembly supported by said top transverse outer canopybeam and said top transverse inner canopy beam, a pair of outer ridermembers in sliding engagement with said pair of outer canopy struts, apair of inner rider members in sliding engagement with said pair ofinner canopy struts, wherein each of said pair of outer rider members isplaced adjacent to one of said pair of inner rider members, a pair ofrotatable rider connector assemblies, wherein each rotatable riderconnector assembly is connected between an outer rider member and anadjacent inner rider member, a pair of bottom outer rider stopsconnected to said pair of outer canopy struts, and a pair of bottominner rider stops connected to said pair of inner canopy struts.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said bottom outer rider stops andsaid bottom inner rider stops includes:a stop sleeve member, and a stoplock nut for locking said respective stop sleeve member on a respectivecanopy strut.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said top outerrider stops and said top inner rider stops can be in a form of a springclip.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:each of said outer canopystruts includes a pair of first outer canopy riser portions connected tosaid outer canopy distal ends, a pair of transverse outer canopy widthextender portions connected to said first outer canopy riser portions,and a pair of second outer canopy riser portions connected to saidtransverse outer canopy width extender portions, wherein said toptransverse outer canopy beam is connected between said second outercanopy riser portions, each of said inner canopy struts includes a pairof first inner canopy riser portions connected to said inner canopydistal ends, a pair of transverse inner canopy width extender portionsconnected to said first inner canopy riser portions, and a pair ofsecond inner canopy riser portions connected to said transverse innercanopy width extender portions, wherein said top transverse inner canopybeam is connected between said second inner canopy riser portions,wherein said pair of second inner canopy riser portions are nestedwithin said pair of second outer canopy riser portions, said pair ofouter rider members are in sliding engagement with said pair of secondouter canopy riser portions, said pair of inner rider members are insliding engagement with said pair of second inner canopy riser portions,each of said pair of outer rider members is placed adjacent to one ofsaid pair of inner rider members, each of said pair of bottom outerrider stops is connected to said pair of second outer canopy riserportions, each of said pair of bottom inner rider stops is connected tosaid pair of second inner canopy riser portions.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, further including:a pair of top outer rider stops connected tosaid pair of outer canopy struts, and a pair of top inner rider stopsconnected to said pair of inner canopy struts.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, further including:a pair of bias springs, wherein each bias spring isconnected between a portion of one outer canopy strut and a portion ofone inner canopy strut.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of saidtop transverse outer canopy beams and each of said top transverse innercanopy beams includes:an outside telescopic portion, an insidetelescopic portion received in said outside telescopic portion, and atelescope locking assembly supported by said outside telescopic portionfor locking said outside telescopic portion and said inside telescopicportion in a preselected position.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 whereinsaid telescope locking assembly includes a threaded lock nut supportedby said outside telescopic portion and a threaded lock bolt received insaid lock nut.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said outercanopy distal ends and said inner canopy distal ends includes a distalend adjustment assembly.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each ofsaid distal end adjustment assemblies includes:a telescopic innerconnector member received in an outer distal tube portion, outer distaltube portion which includes a pin-reception channel, and a lock pin forlocking said telescopic inner connector member with respect to saidouter distal tube portion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein saidtelescopic inner connector member includes a series of adjustmentchannels arrayed longitudinally along said telescopic inner connectormember.